Rattan resources of Manipur: species diversity and reproductive biology of elite species

Rattans, the climbing palms, are one of the most important non-wood forest produce after timber, supporting the livelihood of many forest-dwelling communities in South and South-East Asia. They are known for their strength, durability, elasticity and lightness and are used in making a variety of products. Excessive harvest, loss of habitat and poor regeneration in nature have resulted in the dwindling of the rattan population, much before the existing rattan resources can be identified, thereby resulting in an urgent need to evaluate and conserve the existing rattan resources. This paper studies the species diversity, characteristic features and utilization pattern of the various rattans in the nine districts of Manipur and reproductive biology of elite species.